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Red Wings vs. Jets New Years Eve matchup had a much bigger storyline than earning two points


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Joshua Deeds
January 1, 2026  (2:11 PM)
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Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews
Photo credit: NHL.com

While we can't read lips, you can tell that the Detroit Red Wings' Patrick Kane shared a special moment with the Winnipeg Jets' Jonathan Toews on Wednesday night.

Before action starts on the ice, the two players who were once inseparable as Chicago Blackhawks will collide on the ice.
However, the two would meet in the middle of the ice and renew their bonds and embrace like old friends who haven't seen each other in quite some time. Though initially,
For Jonathan Toews, this has been the first season of hockey he's played since the end of the 2023 season.
For the Red Wings, Patrick Kane has suited up for the Detroit Red Wings the last two seasons and has thrived here despite numerous injuries in the way.
Last night will be the first night the two have faced off against each other in the NHL ever. He has been out of the NHL the last two years, dealing with chronic illness, namely, CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) and long COVID.
After taking some time away from hockey to regain control of his health, he found a way back to the sport he loved and signed with the Winnipeg Jets this summer, his hometown team.
Needless to say, while the mood is brotherly, it'll be a strange moment for both of them when they engage in a passionate tilt on the ice. A situation NHL fans have never been privileged to see until now.

Strange situations for Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane, lead to a renewed sense of brotherhood with Jonathan Toews

"I mean, I think it's always strange when you have those moments when you're reminded of how different things are," Toews said. "For a long time, it was almost like this dream scenario that you couldn't draw up any better. Obviously, we were so blessed in so many ways.

"But yeah, it'll be a strange moment to kind of snap out of that and realize, 'Oh yeah, we're playing for different teams now. We're going up against each other.' That being said, we're both very competitive, so it'll be a lot of fun."
The two have shared many special moments before, namely three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks in the 2010s dynasty, which dominated the NHL.
Now that Kane has returned from his injury healthy, he gave all of his 110% against his former teammates to stake his place in the Atlantic Division, keeping the Red Wings in playoff contention.
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Red Wings vs. Jets New Years Eve matchup had a much bigger storyline than earning two points

As forward Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings shares a special moment with center Jonathan Toews of the Winnipeg Jets, who will win the battle of the former teammates?

Patrick Kane6990.8 %
Jonathan Toews79.2 %
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